In Detroit, a historical marker has been placed at the location of the former Algiers Motel, where three young Black men lost their lives during the city’s 1967 race riot. A dedication ceremony took place at a park a few miles north of downtown, where the motel once stood. Amid the violent unrest that engulfed Detroit during the riot, police and National Guard members conducted a raid on the Algiers Motel and the adjacent Manor House on July 26, 1967, following reports of gunfire. The bodies of Auburey Pollard, 19, Carl Cooper, 17, and Fred Temple, 18, were discovered later, with several others, including two young white women, sustaining injuries.
The historical marker recounts how the white officers faced murder charges in relation to the deaths of Cooper, Temple, and Pollard, although they were never convicted. Historian Danielle McGuire emphasized the significance of truth-telling through the marker’s installation, aiming to acknowledge past horrors and begin a process of healing for survivors and the victims’ families.
Resentment towards the predominantly white police department by Detroit’s Black community had been escalating for years prior to the riots. The unrest erupted on July 23, 1967, triggered by a police raid on an illegal club near the Algiers Motel. The subsequent five days of violence resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction, with deep-seated implications for the city’s demographic and economic landscape.
Reflecting on the tragic events, survivors like Lee Forsythe recalled the harrowing experiences they endured during the police raid at the Algiers Motel. Forsythe described the brutal treatment by police officers, highlighting the fear and trauma that persisted long after the riots concluded. The riot not only deepened racial tensions but also accelerated the exodus of white residents from Detroit to the suburbs, leading to severe economic challenges for the city.
In acknowledging the painful history associated with the Algiers Motel site, the dedication of the historical marker serves as a step towards commemorating the victims and recognizing the injustices committed. Despite the past being unchangeable, McGuire emphasized the importance of confronting historical truths to prevent the recurrence of such violence in the future.
This initiative to honor the victims of the Algiers Motel incident signifies a long-overdue recognition of Detroit’s complex history, marked by both innovation and racial disparities. The city’s journey from the tumultuous events of 1967 to its present-day challenges and resilience is reflected in the installation of the historic marker, symbolizing a commitment to remembrance, reconciliation, and a hopeful path forward.
